As UK universities return to teaching during a global pandemic, students may be faced with the prospect of online learning. Whether your university provides a ‘blended learning’ model with limited in-person teaching, or you are an international student unable to travel to your university yet, here are 4 tips for getting the most out of your online classes.
1)Make Some Space
Set up a designated workspace for studying and attending online lectures, preferably in a quiet place with little distractions. This is particularly important for students who don’t have access to an on-campus library or study space. Keeping one spot at home specifically for university work can help you focus by separating relaxing and studying.
2) Manage Your Time
One benefit of online university courses is the time saved by not needing to travel to (or move around) campus. Setting out your personal schedule each day can optimise your free time for working on assignments and preparing for classes. By fitting blocks of independent study around your timetabled classes, you can feel more productive when working from home. Remember to schedule regular breaks throughout the day as well!
3) Turn Up for Classes
Treat your online lectures the same as any in-person lecture, arrive on time, make useful notes, ask questions and get involved in discussions! Avoid the temptation to just watch back recordings of these classes – this is your opportunity to clarify points and ask questions as they come up. Making an effort to treat online lectures like this puts you firmly in the studying head-space.
4) Connect With Other Students
A major downside of online learning is the lack of social interaction, particularly if you’re a new student looking to meet people. Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to connect to others through social media so students have plenty of ways to connect virtually. Get involved in online group discussions or invite classmates to a video call. Have a look for student societies and groups which host online events, where you can make friends with similar interests. Before long, hopefully, you’ll be meeting up with them in person!